Consumer advocacy is a major function of the local Office of Patients' Rights. Whenever an individual is involuntarily detained in a hospital setting, California law affords certain very specific legal protections and the availability of a knowledgeable advocate to speak on behalf of the detained consumer. This Patients' Rights Advocate presents the expressed interests of the client in Certification Review hearings and various other legal procedures which may occur routinely or which are requested by the client. Sacramento's Office of Patients' Rights serves as a statewide model for consumer involvement and empowerment in the treatment process.

Insuring the rights of recipients of mental health services is a high priority in Sacramento County and this State mandated charge has been delegated to the CSH Office of Patients' Rights.  Whenever a patient in the local system feels their rights are being infringed upon or even denied, that consumer can request review of the instance by the local Office of Patients' Rights and a thorough investigation will be done. By law, local mental health agencies must cooperate in such investigations. Rights violations in mental health programs and facilities as well as in residential care homes are within the purview of this agency.